Health and Social Education EQ- How are web 2.0 tools such as social-networking sites affecting youth both socially and health-wise?

Whether we like it or not, social-networking is a major part of todays society. As of 2009, over half a billion people are connected through sites like Facebook, Myspace, Twitter and Bebo. The positive aspects of such technology is that now, people are just one click away from each other which brings the world closer together technologically. Users can share ideas, views, photos, videos and memories through these social networking sites. Yet, there are a host of negative aspects of social networking. The obesity rate in youth is increasing dramatically because children are now parked in front of their computer sets rather than going out and as well as this prolonged sitting in front of a computer is both bad for your sight and posture. Socially, more children rely on communicating through technology than face-to-face which is a problem because it hinders social skills. IM language also affects spelling negatively and it can distract children from doing other things in their life. Yet, the easiest answer the this question is an over-used cliche "do everything in moderation," us as youth living in the 21st century should not abandon technology, because its part of our everday lives, but we need to realize when to stop and step out into the real world.